The “rollout” of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the Democrats’ vice presidential nominee for Kamala Harris hit snags right out of the gate, and he is also taking fire for his support of gun control, us8ing his background as a hunter and gun owner to make it all sound reasonable.
Fox News is reporting that the Harris campaign “did not properly prepare for potential attacks” on Walz for his military record. The story notes how Walz critics are accusing him of “stolen valor” for allegedly misleading statements regarding his service in uniform. The Harris campaign is reportedly saying Walz “misspoke” when he talks about military arms he “carried in war.”
But it is not just his allusions to military arms which should be prohibited, but his portrayal as an ardent gun owning hunter who supports “common-sense” gun controls. A report at Ammoland News fleshes out this dilemma for the candidate, and for Second Amendment activists.
A Harris campaign spokeswoman is quoted by Fox asserting, “In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke. He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.”
The language underscores what appears to be the developing strategy of the Harris camp to both utilize Walz as a candidate outdoorsmen and women can trust.
But the Minnesota governor could be in for a rough ride over the next several weeks as the race for the presidency warms up, especially following the Labor Day weekend. Next week’s Democratic National Convention might be little more than a feel-good prelude to a battle which will pit Walz against Republican J.D. Vance, who is a Marine Corps veteran.
The contrast between the two men is fodder for the establishment media. The Hill has an article about Walz and his military service, and it includes a poll showing overwhelming favor for Walz as the better vice presidential candidate.
Walz’ background as a hunter-turned-gun-control-advocate was previously discussed by TGM. The report appearing at Ammoland focuses on his potential role as a candidate who might sway some gun owners and hunters with concern over Second Amendment rights if Harris is elected.
In a separate report, Fox News says Donald Trump is holding a lead over Harris in Florida, which has turned increasingly red over the past few years.
A new Rasmussen survey says Democrats like Walz for their candidate, but Republicans and Independents have a far less favorable view. According to Rasmussen, “Two-thirds (67%) of Democrats view Walz favorably, while most Republicans (62%) have an unfavorable impression of him. Among voters not affiliated with either major party, 35% view Walz favorably, 47% have an unfavorable opinion and 17% are undecided.”
The November election is more than two months away, which amounts to an eternity in politics. This campaign is just getting started.
(This report also appears in TheGunMag.com)
